Side quests are a plenty in Stalker 2 and just like the main missions, some side quests offer choices that you need to make. In “The Lost Boys” side quest you’ll have the choice to either side with The Ninth, the Monolith Member, or side with Dew.
Unlike the choice of Shah and Roosevelt and Squint, this one has more impact on the game’s narrative comparatively.
What Happens if You Side with Dew in Stalker 2
The Ninth claims he saved Mastiff, one of the missing diggers, from a poltergeist attack. The Dew choice may seem like supporting a more compassionate stance. He seems like a character who’s trying to help rather than harm.
What happens if you side with Dew: No choice in Stalker 2 is without violence and siding with Dew is no different. This choice will lead to an all-out war against The Ninth. You, Dew, and his gang will have to kill The Ninth.
Aligning with Dew may improve your standing with the Stalker faction, which is generally seen as more neutral compared to Monolith. This leads to better access to weapons and equipment in the future.
But choosing Dew can lead to negative repercussions later in the game. It may alienate you from other factions that view mercenaries unfavorably or those sympathetic to Monolithians.
The Ninth is tougher compared to other enemies but nothing you can’t handle. Killing The Ninth gets you 1000 Coupons from Lens and AKM-74S from The Ninth’s body.
What Happens if You Side with The Ninth in Stalker 2
Siding with The Ninth you will have to kill Dew’s crew members standing outside. They are in high numbers so it will be a big fight. The Ninth will help you deal with them but overall, he is not much help.
During the fight you also need to protect The Ninth because he can die. After saving The Ninth, speak with him to get a Rubber Layer blueprint which is an upgrade for the auto rifle.
The Lens will also give you 500 Coupons for finding Mastiff.
Side With Dew or The Ninth?
If you side with The Ninth the long-term rewards are much better compared to Dew. You will get access to better weapons and gear later on. It also seems like a better choice since he claims he saved Mastiff from danger.
Aligning with The Ninth may foster better relations with certain factions that sympathize with Monolith or view his actions favorably.
But siding with The Ninth means a much tougher fight because Dew’s and his gang are in high numbers. So, there is a risk of resource consumption when siding with The Ninth. There is also the consideration of lower immediate rewards like only 500 Coupons and a not-so-great blueprint.
On the other hand, Siding with Dew offers immediate rewards, including 1,000 coupons and potentially better weapons like the AKM-74S from The Ninth’s body.
Dew represents a more straightforward mercenary approach, aiming to eliminate a perceived threat. This choice is for players who like to shoot first and ask questions later.
Moreover, choosing Dew improves your standing with the Stalker faction, which is generally seen as more neutral and peaceful compared to Monolith.
Aligning with Dew means supporting a mercenary who is willing to kill without much regard for the broader implications of his actions. Going with Dew means you will end up alienating yourself from other factions that oppose mercenaries or like the Monolith.
My recommendation: The Ninth
FAQs
No, even if you try to stop Dew from killing The Ninth, he will push you aside and go inside the house which triggers the fight. Dew will also consider you a traitor if you tell the truth about who saved Mastiff.
No. No matter which side you choose it all leads to chaos.
No. Dew will attack The Ninth even if you try to tell him the house is empty which leads to a fight anyway.
100 Coupons and Rubber Layer blueprint.
1000 Coupons from Lens and AKM-74S from The Ninth’s body.
